The best time to visit Australia
The best time to visit Australia for warm, sunny weather is August to November, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 79/100 with daytime highs around 25°C / 77°F. July and December are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 9 months a year, warmest in January at 27°C.
Australia by month, averaged across 25 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 69 | 31° / 88°F | 135 mm | 27° | Very good |
| February | 70 | 30° / 86°F | 143 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| March | 75 | 28° / 82°F | 117 mm | 26° | Excellent |
| April | 82 | 26° / 79°F | 61 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| May | 82 | 23° / 73°F | 47 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| June | 74 | 21° / 70°F | 55 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| July | 75 | 20° / 68°F | 38 mm | 19° | Excellent |
| August | 78 | 21° / 70°F | 36 mm | 20° | Excellent |
| September | 84 | 24° / 75°F | 31 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| October | 79 | 27° / 81°F | 44 mm | 23° | Excellent |
| November | 76 | 28° / 82°F | 58 mm | 25° | Excellent |
| December | 71 | 30° / 86°F | 90 mm | 27° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: August to November — Australia's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 79/100, ~25°C / 77°F days). Shoulder season: July and December — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: January, ~31°C / 88°F. Wettest: February (143 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Alice Springs (3,770 h/yr), Newman (3,765 h/yr), Port Hedland (3,669 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in Australia month by month, the hottest places in Australia, or every Australia destination with a full climate card.